Posted on 07/14/2005 4:52:58 PM PDT by SandRat
MANAMA, Bahrain, July 14, 2005 — The Iraqi military has begun the next phase in the security turnover process to assume responsibility for the Khawr Al Amaya and Al Basrah oil terminals, according to Royal Australian Navy Commodore Steve Gilmore, commander, Task Force 58, during an interview July 12 aboard the USS Normandy. “We're beginning phase two of a three-phase process which will transition the point-defense of the Iraqi oil terminals to the Iraqi Marines,” said Gilmore. “We hope they'll take on command and control which is the final part of the overall process.”
“The coalition forces, including the Iraqis that are in place at the moment most definitely have the capability and the will to protect the oil terminals,” Royal Australian Navy Commodore Steve Gilmore, commander, Task Force 58.
The multinational task force works directly with Iraqi maritime forces to prevent attacks against the Iraqi oil terminals. The oil terminals provide significant revenue for the Iraqi economy. Iraq and coalition forces work together to progressively transfer full security of the oil terminals to Iraqi forces.
“(The Iraqis) are part of the task force,” said Gilmore. “They are not being placed alongside coalition units, they are replacing coalition units.”
Gilmore, who took command of Task Force 58 April 17, is the first Australian to lead a multinational coalition since World War II. He is responsible for coalition maritime security operations in the North Arabian Gulf. He said coalition and Iraqi forces have the ability of ensuring security and stability in the area.
“The coalition forces, including the Iraqis that are in place at the moment most definitely have the capability and the will to protect the oil terminals and to undertake the other activities I am responsible for,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore said other activities include conducting visit, board, search and seizure operations as well as detecting, deterring and denying the use of the maritime environment by those that seek to be at sea for other than legitimate and legal purposes.
Maritime Security Operations set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. Operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.
“We are constantly watching out for those who want to use the sea for inappropriate reasons,” added Gilmore.
On April 24, 2004, two U.S. Navy sailors and one Coast Guardsman were killed during an attempted coordinated terrorist attack against the oil terminals. Coalition forces on and around the oil terminals successfully disrupted the attack.
Gilmore noted that the threat of future attacks still remains and coalition forces remain on alert.
“It's barely been a year since the two oil terminals came under attack,” said Gilmore. “We treat the threat most seriously and we go about our daily business with that in mind.”
Iraqi's are taking charge of their own security more and more.
“The coalition forces, including the Iraqis that are in place at the moment most definitely have the capability and the will to protect the oil terminals,” Royal Australian Navy Commodore Steve Gilmore, commander, Task Force 58.
Thanks for the ping!
BTT!!!!!!
AHA! Told you it was ALL ABOUT OIL!
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